Posts
12
Joined
6/13/2017
Location
GB
sambiso
6/13/2017 10:53am
6/13/2017 10:53am
hey guys, so i am looking at buying my first ever dirt bike. i was going to get a 250f. i already race mountain bikes so feel i will be able to pick the basics up fairly quickly. before i did any research i thought ktm were the best bikes. no idea why but i just got that vibe. but most of the racers seem to be on jap bikes. i know im not a racer but i want to be confident in the bike im about to spend 7k on. looking at the bikes in person ktm seem a bit flimsy and like they might brake. i know they are very light but reliability and longevity is my main concern! ktm seem to recall a lot more bikes than jap brands. also 90 percent of the pro racers and freeride guys seem to be on jap bikes. are Japanese bikes the way to go? or was i right thinking ktm are renowned as being the best? any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! thanks
Everyone will have their preference but the reality is that they are all good bikes.
Ignore all the horror stories from the die hard 2 stroke fans, reality is the modern 4 strokes are generally bulletproof for the average club rider.
My 2003 has well over 150 hrs on it, the only problems I've had with it I caused myself.
My 2014.5 Factory Edition has about 65 hrs on it, the only thing's I've done to it are the normal ware & tear items.
I did check the valves at 45 hrs & they were in Spec.
If you do the normal maintenance you shouldn't have a problem with any of the newer bikes.
Don't do the maintenance & your on you own!
The Shop
I suggest getting the bike that you feel most comfortable on and the best dealer support.
unless you're over a 170 pounds, I can't imagine a better first bike.
The reality is all the bikes from 2010 on up are great. flip a coin on which is more reliable.
I will say that people who knock on the KTM "wood screws" have never used them. They never fall out, my 350 had 175 hours with the original hardware. Never require loc-tite, are super lightweight (who cares), and as long as you you do not torque them for 400 lb/ft they work better than a regular insert ten fold.
I know, I know... It's mostly down to the mechanic, but given that the average home mechanic is just that- average, the wood screw idea isn't very hard wearing.
That said, an M6 bolt is easily cross-threaded by the same average mechanic.
Pit Row
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